Good Times Await.
‘Tis the season. The snow is falling and the holidays are upon us but there’s no reason to miss skiing to spend time with the family. In fact, skiing on actual holiday dates can come with the benefits of shorter lift lines and great events. Many resorts across the nation are hosting a variety of holiday celebrations for the whole family – whether they plan to hit the slopes or not. So bundle up and head to the mountains for a festive winter trip you won’t forget.
On the West Coast
Santa will be visiting the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe from Dec. 19 -24 and families will have the opportunity to visit him in an interactive snow globe for photos, holiday music and more. The celebrations continue after Christmas with live music, daily and an Ice Sculpting Exhibition starting on Dec. 28. Ring in the New Year with live music, LED dance performances, and a fireworks show. The count down begins just before 9 p.m. with a Gondola ball drop. Pro tip: Celebrating the New Year on East Coast time means you’ll be bright eyed and bushy tailed for first chair the following morning. Take me to Heavenly for the holidays. (opens in new window)
Skiers and riders at Mammoth Mountain will have the chance to get a Christmas photos with Santa and the mountain’s mascot, Wooly on Christmas day. A helmet decorating party will take place in the Canyon lodge. The celebrations continue through the New Year with events on the mountain and in town culminating in a New Year's Eve Celebration with live music and fireworks at Mammoth Mountain. I want a Mammoth of a time.
In the Rockies
Ski with Santa on Christmas Eve at Park City Resort in Utah. After the sun sets, Santa will lead the 50th annual Christmas Eve Torchlight parade complete with holiday music and fun for the whole family. The festivities continue through the New Year with Decemberfest, which includes live music and shows daily. On December 31, the whole family is invited to ring in the New Years with fireworks and live music. Get your PC on. (opens in new window)
Celebrate the Holidaze in Vail with the winter Solstice Paper Lantern parade followed by the Grand Opening of the Vail Winterfest Ice Theater which will be showing holiday movies such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” daily through Christmas. After Christmas, prepare for the New Year with a Torchlight Parade featuring Vail’s top ski instructors skiing down Golden Peak followed by a fireworks display. Get your daze info here. (opens in new window)
In the East
Spend the holidays with the family, then hit the slopes at Stowe, Vermont for a week of festivities and fun. Enjoy complimentary holiday family photos from Dec. 26 to New Years along. Each night brings a new show to the stage including ski movies, a symphony performance and a bells ensemble. Cruise into the New Year with family friendly ski races, fireworks and more.
More about Stowe's celebrations. (opens in new window)
Celebrate Christmas with a Community Candlelight gathering at Sugarloaf in Maine. Vacation Week continues with live music, s’mores, horse & carriage rides, and Kids game and movies nights. An ugly sweater party keeps the vibe fun on Dec. 30. Ring in the New Year with live music and fireworks. See the 'Loaf's schedule (opens in new window).
Image: Colorado Ski Country
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